12 Essential shoes for all women

Each person has their own personal style that evolves here and there according to the trends, age and lifestyle.

However, keeping good quality, timeless shoes in our closet assures that one is always put together with minimum effort. These evergreen staples go with pretty much everything in most women’s wardrobe, regardless of their individual fashion sense, and are always a smart investment.

It’s a good idea to get at least one pair of each of these footwear basics, and have them always ready to hit the ground running.

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1- Nude pumps

The key is to find them in the closest shade to your skin tone. Simply designed, skin coloured shoes elongate the legs, make a woman look taller, leaner and proportionate and most of all, look good when wearing tricky coloured or patterned outfits, because they are almost invisible. The go-to model is a slightly pointed toe with a thin heel that is just high enough, such as Christian Louboutin’s Pigalle. However, more extravagant versions, like Casadei’s Blade or, on the other hand, sensible heeled models such as Ferragamo’s or L.K. Bennett’s are a smart purchase if one can afford amassing a “nude collection”.

2- Black pumps

Ditto the aforementioned, but in black. No one has ever looked bad wearing sleek, elegant black court shoes or scarpins. Whether it’s a thin heeled/stiletto version to go with formal wear (or simply to bring sexiness to a pair of jeans) or a chunky heel for work, they allow creating infinite combinations without hardly ever putting a foot wrong.

3 - Long, flat (or low heeled) boots

Knee-high or overknee, finding your perfect pair can be tricky: it might be needed to try several before finding one that compliments your proportions perfectly, sits comfortably in the ankle area, and that is well isolated enough to keep your soles protected and warm.

The best ones are zipless and have a very thin heel instead of being totally flat, which not only protects your feet but is better for your lower back and heels. The designs that hit the knee or go slightly over it are usually more flattering for all body types than those that fall below. ( Stuart Weitzman is a brilliant option in all of these regards, but if you are looking for a friendlier price, Kurt Geiger and Zara make similar models every now and then). Once you find your ideal pair, the best is to get it in leather texture, not suede, and in two colours: black to go with darker outfits, and camel to wear with jeans, bohemian or preppy looks, and lighter colours in general.

4- Wellies

Depending on where you live, having a trusty pair of rain boots can be a life saver. However, choosing the wrong ones may put you off wellies forever! Frozen feet and aching toes are not supposed to happen, so trying on several models is key.

Remember, the material should feel rubbery and bendable, not hard and stiff like plastic, and there should be some sort of lining in the interior, even if it’s a very thin coat of fibre. You can go for a trusted brand like the famous Hunters or try a high end label - Burberry’s are a classic and not only are designed to flatter one’s figure, but feel very soft and comfy. However, most luxury brands have their own version. Even Dolce& Gabbana makes fantastic rain boots with their signature patterns!

Still, if your feet are extra picky and you wish to look like a million bucks without spending as much, search equestrian brands for rubber riding boots: they have just the perfect length to make you look taller and are buttery soft and super resistant.

5- Comfy ankle boots

Ankle boots made a comeback a few years ago and never left again- and for good reason, because they are the most practical thing and very easy to style. A variety of designs comes along every season ( Jimmy Choo and Balenciaga make magnificent dressy versions with sky high heels so comfortable you feel like you are wearing flats) but the best ones for everyday are simple, slightly pointed Chelsea boots or country inspired models with a chunky heel (think Isabel Marant). For the latter, choose the shorter ones that show a bit of your ankle: they look amazing with jeans, shorts or cute dresses and make your legs seem longer .

6- Flats that work for you

Strange as it may sound, flat shoes are one of the trickiest kinds of footwear to pick. Being so close to the ground - therefore, offering less support and protection- and without the illusion of height, you have to consider the particular needs of your feet and your body type to get it right.

Never go for a totally flat shoe without any heel support unless you intend to use it for a very short period of time- it can be seriously damaging to your feet and back. Even most ballerina flats nowadays have a barely there heel to cushion the back of the foot.

Speaking of ballet shoes, Chanel is the ultimate goal, but other brands such as Josefinas specialised in this type of footwear and make beautiful designs. The most flattering ones have a pointed or oval tip- you’ll look longer and leaner even in flats! Loafers are another option, especially if you are tall, very slim or have a waif figure. And oxford shoes and brogues are usually flattering on everyone - just avoid tips that are too round (unless you want to give the illusion of having thicker legs and a curvier figure).

7- Simple court heels in a solid bright colour

Your alternative to numbers 1 and 2 of this list, for when you want to add a festive touch or brighten up a basic look. These are the “special occasion” shoes that require less investment.

Although high end brands make fantastic models of these, the fact is that, not having any embellishments, this type of shoe usually looks expensive even if you go for an affordable brand - as long as you choose a comfortable, stable design and go for the right material- usually suede, velvet or satin.

Often, the best colourful shoes are made of fabrics like satin or velvet - or patent leather. And I’m sorry to say it, but such materials are fragile even when it comes to luxury brands. A slip on the pavement and the scratches are almost inevitable. With that in mind, you can choose to invest more or less depending on how often you intend to wear them, and if it is a seasonal colour or your signature one that you will wear for years to come. Just pick a pair that looks and feels luxurious, preferably revealing most of your feet (again, to elongate the legs).

8- Cuissardes, or thigh high boots

Ok, maybe thigh high boots aren’t everyone’s cup of tea or universally flattering, but when well picked and well styled they can become quite useful and be worn way more often than you’d think at first sight.

The best - and most discreet ones -are the black, matte boots that go almost all the way up there (the ones that end at the thigh have a more provocative vibe that isn’t as versatile).

You can wear them with most skinny jeans or slim trousers and a short, classic coat (a preppy Duffle coat, for instance) and look instantly chic, or use them to salvage a frilly, super short dress without showing too much (just make sure that the hem of the skirt covers the boot for a long, lean, sexy but elegant silhouette).

9- “Nude”, barely there dressy sandals

Ideal for party looks, in this case the “nude” doesn’t necessarily mean the colour (although some of the best "invisible" sandals are exactly made in nude tones) but the fact that they nearly uncover all of the foot and have just the needed amount of straps to keep the sandal in place.

All you need is to assure that the heel is stable, that they are well made enough to be pleasant to wear all evening (try Jimmy Choo for this) and, should you go for a colour that contrasts with your skin tone, that the ankle strap sits at the slimmer part of your ankle (if your goal is to look taller and leaner).

Side note: for an everyday version, look for chunky heeled sandals (cork heels are great) with the same concept of basic straps, only larger, and in very basic colours. You will be done and dusted for all Summer.

10- Fabulous, bejeweled heels for special occasions

Or as I like to call them, “lucky shoes”. Think of them as your Cinderella slippers. You know, those party stilettos (or simply, very high heels) in a rich colour embellished with embroidery, rhinestones, sequins, swarovski crystals and the like, to wear on very special occasions. They go well with gowns, black tie attire and elevate a sleek cocktail dress or dressy suit. Because these shoes are so detailed, they should be a bigger investment to make sure they don’t fall apart after a couple of wears. Also, the right pair must be as comfortable as possible and make you feel that nothing can go wrong. Dolce and Gabbana, Miu Miu and Manolo Blahnick have excellent options in that regard.

11- Trusty slingbacks

Not everyone is a fan of slingbacks, but most women who try them never go back. After all, they can be worn Spring to Autumn, survive the heat and quite a bit of rain (as long as it’s not pouring, of course) and are a great alternative to sandals if your feet are sensitive to straps rubbing against your toes.

Most of all, slingbacks look amazing with nearly everything, from distressed jeans to a classic dress or pencil skirt. Just choose a sensible heel and an elongated tip and you are good to go. Chanel ones are the dream (and with the beige= black combination, you got most of your outfits covered) but Italian brands like Sergio Rossi make the most comfortable options.

12 - Stylish trainers

They were always a must have, but with the rise of the athleisure trend trainers were elevated to fashion objects of desire. From the classic Ked,s (to go with preppy or everyday looks) to fashion-forward Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton or Gucci, timeless Adidas or colourful and bullet proof Nike, the choice is endless!

When it comes to choose your perfect trainers or sneakers, consider your personal style and body type: chunkier designs balance rounder hips and flatter hourglass figures, while slimmer ones look darling on waif types and/or taller ladies. If you are not a trainers person, try to have a black pair and a white or beige one, and you will always be covered for those occasions when you really must walk.

To give them a super chic twist, you can wear them with an all black, model off duty outfit , or throw a fur coat over a loungewear suit in a soft colour to look like a celebrity, even if you are just picking up your children from the nursery or running errands.